Pictures added!

Hi all, I haven't been around much but I'm back because of NAS. It's time to update my wardrobe. I don't have photos but here is what I got and my review of the items. For those who don't know me, I'm 5'0, straight broad shoulders, sort of an inverted hourglass, with narrow hips and a waist on the thicker side.

I have been on a kick with dresses now for a long while. I have been living in dresses. So I was excited to score these items at NAS:

1. Suzi Chin Colorblock Shift:
Pics 1 (no jacket), 2 (ponte knit jacket suitable for fall) and 3 (lightweight cropped pleather moto jacket). Purse: I got that at last year's NAS.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....tback=2103

So cute!! I got the 2p and it fits perfectly. It drapes beautifully and despite having no waist, it works-- I think because of the color-blocking, it doesn't look "dumpy" like some waistless dresses look on those of us who have chests. The hemline is short, well above the knee, a flirty and fun length. I am a sucker for color blocking. This was a no-brainer: KEEP. Love. Very "me."

2. Calvin Klein Ponte Knit Sheath:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ca.....tback=1412

First, let me say that I ordered this, and later that day I took a stroll through Marshall's, only to discover that Marshall's was also selling the same exact dress! I didn't try it on at Marshall's since I knew I already had it on order.

I got this also in the 2p, which is what I wear in Calvin Klein, a brand of dress that usually fits/flatters me.

Pros:
- color is lovely
- ponte knit is substantial (it will be warm in the fall/winter)
- seaming is quite flattering - carves out a waist
- body conscious fit, but with enough structure there's no unsightly middle aged lumps and bumps
- hits slightly above the knee; good length for petites

Cons:
- the neckline is not the best for me. It would work wonderfully for someone with a long graceful neck (like Angie). Unfortunately I have a short neck. This is compounded by the fact that it's a tad tight across the shoulders (my shoulders are broad).

I was dubious about keeping it, because I'm overly sensitive about my short neck. As I was futzing around with it, debating, DH came in and .... well... he couldn't keep his hands off of me! Why? Because of the zipper:

The zipper goes all the way from neck to hem, and it is a two-way zipper. Meaning, you can unzip it from the bottom, not just from the top. And DH thought that was super sexy...

When I pointed out the neckline bugged me, he thought it was a good neckline for a work dress -- more conservative that way. Then with some experimentation, I discovered that if I unzip the neckline a few inches, and splay out the neckline, it looks much better that way. Kind of like a reverse collar? I'd have to remove the tag to wear it this way, but that should work as the tag is lightly sewn in.

So... DH votes to keep it, and to wear it with neckline zipped up for work (maybe even with a scarf at the neck), and to wear it with neckline zipped down in the back when going out.... I don't think it's meant to be worn this way, but why not?

Photo 4: with neckline unzipped.
Photo 5: back view (yes I would take out the tag)
Photo 6: Front view with neckline zipped up. I don't mind this neckline for work. Just not otherwise crazy about it as I think it shortens my neck.

3. Paige straight leg jeans, size 26 worked perfectly, though they'll need to be hemmed. Thanks for the tip about soaking in vinegar. I bought these because I'm getting a bit tired of skinnies. They are quite comfy with enough stretch, and I love the higher rise.

No photo - will post another time.

What didn't work and is going back:

4. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....tback=3191

No photo -- I've already returned it.

I really, really wanted to like this dress. I love the sleeve length. I love that it has an A-line skirt, which balances out my narrow hips. The dress fit perfectly in size 2p. The fabric is quite substantial. It's a well made dress. And I love the zipper in the back. And of course I love the colorblocking....

Unfortunately, the green is different than in the picture. It's ... astroturf green? DH took one look at it and said, "Blech. Wrong green for you. Makes your face look green."

That said, I would recommend for anyone who can rock the florescents. I look better in the more muted shades.

After reading the threads this morning, I finally bit and ordered the sweater Angie was rocking in her blog post the other day. I am dubious about this style for me, but I figured I'd give it a try. I ordered it in small, I hope it's not too big. XS was all sold out.

I was also quite tempted by the skirts... but the reality is that I don't wear skirts quite so often. So I stuck primarily to dresses. I can't remember the last time I wore pants. Dresses are just too easy and comfortable!